The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has admitted a total of 15,077 students for the 2025/2026 academic session, marking the largest intake in the institution’s history.
Prof. Edoba Omoregie (SAN), Vice-Chancellor of the institution, disclosed this on Thursday during the university’s matriculation ceremony held in Benin City.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the ceremony was particularly significant as many of the newly admitted students are pioneers of about 20 newly introduced courses and academic programmes.
“At this ceremony, a total of 15,077 students are being formally admitted into the various faculties, schools, centres and programmes of the University of Benin,” Omoregie said.
He stressed that all admissions were conducted strictly on merit, urging the students to make excellence their guiding principle throughout their academic journey.
“You have been admitted on merit. Therefore, merit and excellence should be your watchwords during your academic sojourn at the University of Benin,” he stated.
Describing UNIBEN as a first-generation university and one of the most sought-after institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Vice-Chancellor said the university has sustained its reputation for quality teaching, learning and impactful research over its 55-year history.
“In the last 55 years, the University of Benin has consistently upheld excellence in teaching, learning and impactful research, alongside meaningful community engagement,” he said, noting that these values are embodied in the university’s motto, ‘Knowledge for Service.’
Omoregie reiterated the institution’s commitment to producing graduates who are valuable to themselves and society, while warning the students against involvement in cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice and other social vices.
“The University of Benin maintains a zero-tolerance policy on secret cult activities, illicit drugs, examination malpractice and all forms of immorality. Anyone caught will be shown the way out,” he warned.
He advised the matriculating students to remain focused, engage constructively with lecturers and staff, and make effective use of the university’s academic, sporting and extracurricular facilities.
“Your mission here is clear: to learn what you do not know and to unlearn habits that may hinder your progress,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed appreciation to parents, guardians and sponsors for their confidence in the institution, congratulated the new students, and formally welcomed them to the University of Benin, praying for their success throughout their academic journey.
